D.C. United names Curt Onalfo head coach

Former United player becomes club€s sixth head coachD.C. United has named Curt Onalfo as the team€s new head coach. Onalfo was officially introduced at a press conference at RFK Stadium€s VW Lounge on Tuesday, January 5.

The 40-year old Onalfo becomes the sixth head coach in club history. He has long-standing ties to United, having previously served the team as a player, director of youth development, and assistant coach.€This has been a lengthy process but at the end of it we believe Curt Onalfo will be an outstanding leader for D.C. United,€ said United President and CEO Kevin Payne.

€Our first priority was to find someone who shares the club's long-standing philosophy of attacking soccer €" and Curt absolutely does. Having played and coached here, Curt understands the culture of D.C. United. As a former member of our 1998 and 1999 championship-winning teams, he understands what is necessary today to fulfill the D.C. United legacy and meet the lofty expectations that follow our club.€

€His fluency in Spanish, familiarity with our community, and understanding of our league are additional factors that make him the ideal choice to lead our team and I am excited to welcome him home. We look forward to getting to work in bringing the MLS Cup back to D.C.,€ Payne said.

€I am very excited to lead D.C. United into a new era, building on its storied and successful history,€ said Onalfo.

€Having already played and served as an assistant coach for the most successful club in MLS history, I understand the expectations that come along with this position. It takes more to be the head coach of United and I fully intend to help bring D.C. its fifth MLS Cup.€